BELURAN: Three churches in Beluran and Telupid received RM450,000 in financial aid from the government during a ceremony, yesterday.
The Saint Andrew Beluran received RM200,000, RTDS-Catholic Mission Telupid (RM150,000) and BCCM Murok Church of Kampung Bauto Telupid (RM100,000).
The financial aid was presented by Beluran member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee to the representatives of each of the churches. Also present was Beluran Umno Youth chief Samad Jambri.
Ronald said the financial aid was his effort to meet the needs of the churches around the Beluran parliamentary constituency.
He said the allocations to the three churches from the government were made possible by meeting directly with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
He said this proved that leaders from the federal were sensitive to the needs of churches in the country.
“This also shows that the government does not overlook and ignore the religious aspects of the country,” he said, adding that 15 new churches were built in Beluran to meet the religious needs of the people in the area.
Meanwhile, a representative from St Andrew’s Church, Beluran, Rev Fr. Arun Kuak said the granting of financial assistance was significant and evidence of the government’s concern over the needs of religious and church organisations, especially in the Beluran parliamentary.
He said the financial aid would be used for the construction of a new church at Kampung Rampek. He also said Ronald’s efforts in obtaining the allocation showed his initiative to meet the needs of the people.